The Dubliners is an Irish folk group founded by singer and guitarist Ronnie Drew in 1962. Originally called the Ronnie Drew Group, they changed their name to The Dubliners in honor of the novel by Irish author James Joyce. Best known for playing traditional street ballads and their impressive instrumentals, the band made a name for themselves during informal sessions at O'Donoghue's Pub in Dublin. After signing with Transatlantic Records in 1963, The Dubliners released their self-titled debut album (The Dubliners, 1964). After their 2002 40th Anniversary reunion tour, Dubliner's vocalist Jim McCann was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to leave the band. Dubliners founding member Ronnie Drew passed away on Aug. 16, 2008, at the age of 73.